2010 Seattle Kennel Club Show Review – By Ranny Green

America’s hottest hound dog and a charismatic Irish Water Spaniel took top honors March 13-14 at the Seattle Kennel Club Dog Shows in Qwest Field Event Center.

Lori Wilson of Carthage, Mo., guided Champion Starline’s Chanel, a 2-year-old female Whippet to the coveted best-in-show title Sunday, judged by Clay Coady of Paradise Valley, Ariz. Chanel, the No. 4 dog in the nation in the latest all-breed standings, moved smoothly to her 12th best-in-show win and 60th hound-group title. The two won the hound-group title Saturday as well.

“She showed beautifully today,” said Wilson. “Nothing seems to ever faze her. She was on when she needed to be against a very good field of dogs. “Lori Wilson of Carthage, Mo., holds Champion Starline’s Chanel, a 2-year-old female Whippet,that took the Best-in-Show title Sunday, March 14 at the Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show. Others are, from left, judge Clay Coady, ring steward Julie Hamasaki and Seattle Kennel Club President Tom Godwin.

Chanel, who is owned by Lori and Carey Lawrence of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., is being campaigned heavily this year. Chanel, who gets her play-time exercise by chasing tennis balls, won the hound-group title in February at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, the first Whippet in 29 years to accomplish that feat.

When asked what she rates as Chanel’s winning features, Wilson responded, body type, smoothness, gait and temperament. “She gives me everything she has at each show,” the handler explained. “It’s never been a roller-coaster ride with her performance.”

Stacy Duncan, of Woodinville, and Keegan (Champion Poole’s Ide Got Water), a fun-filled Irish Water Spaniel, topped the Select Seven final field Saturday, judged by Chris Walkowicz, of Sherrard, Ill., and went on to take a Group 2 in the Sporting Group Sunday. Duncan and Keegan placed second in group at Westminster in February, as well. With Saturday’s successes, Keegan bumped his record to five bests-in-show and 49 best of breed wins.Keegan was the No. 1 Irish Water Spaniel in the nation last year, a major feat, since he was only shown at 39 all-breed shows. Keegan also earned a Rally Novice title in 2009 after three straight qualifying scores the week of the Irish Water Spaniel National.

Describing Keegan’s performance at the two shows, Duncan said, “In true Irish style, he did not disappoint. With a smile on his face, he took each challenge presented to him over the course of the weekend like a champion.”Stacy Duncan, of Woodinville, and Champion Poole’s Ide Got Water (Keegan), an Irish Water Spaniel,were awarded Best-in-Show at the Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show Saturday, March 13. Looking on, from left,are judge Chris Walkowicz, ring steward Julie Hamasaki and Seattle Kennel Club President Tom Godwin.

“Anyone who watches Keegan show can see he truly loves being a show dog. Keegan finds those moments in the ring where he can show his strong personality with an extra bounce or joyful leap. My job is let him have a great time, but keep him focused and controlled at key moments. We managed a wonderful balance of work and play in the ring both days.”

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About Ranny Green

A Seattle Times pets columnist and feature writer for three decades before retiring in 2008, Ranny Green writes monthly features and book reviews for the Seattle Kennel Club. He is also the former president of the Dog Writers Association of America, a five-time recipient of the DWAA’s columnist of the year award and a six-time winner of the DWAA feature writer of the year for newspapers over 150,000 circulation. He is also a member of the prestigious DWAA Hall of Fame.